EPIDEMIOLOGY OF GESTATIONAL TOXOPLASMOSIS IN PARANÁ: STUDY OF CASES RECORDED BETWEEN 2019 AND 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological profile of toxoplasmosis acquired during pregnancy and notified by the state of Paraná from 2019 to 2023. METHOD: Ecological study covering the entire territory of Paraná. It focuses on the analysis of prevalence, distribution and factors related to occurrence in a specific population, in this case, pregnant women. Data collection took place from January 2019 to December 2023, whose data were collected through the Diseases and Notification Information System, with the variables age group, education, gestational age, classification, evolution, and criteria of pregnant women. The collected data were transported to an electronic spreadsheet in the Microsoft Office Excel software, and the data analysis was performed through simple descriptive statistical analysis, with absolute and relative frequency presentation. RESULTS: Between 2019 and 2023, the state of Paraná recorded 4,062 cases of gestational toxoplasmosis, predominantly in women between 20 and 39 years of age. The highest number of confirmed cases occurred in 2023 (700 cases), while the lowest was recorded in 2020 (626 cases). Most diagnoses were made through laboratory tests, totaling 768 confirmations in 2023. The disease was more frequent in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, with 385 confirmed cases in 2023. White women, with complete high school education, were the most affected. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of the information provided by health services and professionals is essential to change behaviors, adopt healthy habits, and disseminate knowledge to those without the necessary accessories for these services. This not only applies to congenital toxoplasmosis, but also to any disease where information plays a transformative role.